PSSN MINUTES
February 26, 2009

ATTENDEES: Charles and Marlene Armstrong (Marlene’s Low Vision), Anette Balis (Home Instead Senior Care), Eric Bloniarz (Medical Service Co.), Kathy Guckelberger (DJFS), Jane Gwinn (FCS/Senior Track), Carol Haas, AAOA, B.K.Hall (Emeritus Senior Living), Dorothy Jones (PC Society of the Blind), Michele C. Kairis ( Coleman Adult Day Services), Laurel Kane, (Portage Home Health), James Lenahan (Vision Therapeutic Services), Alison Machel (AAOA), Genel Nichols (KentRidge at Golden Pond), Pam Oslin (Kent Healthcare Center),Evelyn Peck (Reed Memorial Library), Barb Pochedly (P. C. District Library), Claudette Rogers (FCS/MAP), Mike Semon (FGP/Senior Companion), Crystal Shanley (FCS/Senior Track), Karen Smith (Home Helpers, Inc.), Mary Kay Stevens (Longmeadow Care Center), Jim Stilson (VIP Homecare Inc.), Marta Williger (Williger& Peters), Mandy Zantow(FCS/RSVP)
Guests: Lori DeAngelis (PC/ VNS & Hospice)

President Genel Nichols called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the
and called for introductions and announcements.
Genel Nichols announced a program to be held at KentRidge March 19 at 6:30 p.m. The program ”When Dementia Comes Home” is being sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

PROGRAM: Claudette Rogers presented “A Matter of Balance” which was scheduled for March. February’s speaker, Ed Eichler, from RMH Education services, was unable to present due to illness. Mr. Eichler’s program, “Diabetes Education’ will be presented March 26. Claudette provided information about the classes offered to area seniors to improve their balance and avoid falls.

Secretary’s report:
Pam Oslin Hart motioned to accept the minutes, Marlene Armstrong seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s report :
Eric Bloniarz presented the treasurer’s report and it will be forwarded for review

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations: Mandy Zantow announced that the committee met with the membership committee to help promote a membership event.. Mandy noted ($50) gift baskets will be provided for the Senior Celebration scheduled May 14. The membership event is tentatively scheduled may 7 at 8:30 a.m. Mandy noted more information will be provided at a later date.

Education Committee: Jane Gwinn announced the programs scheduled for March (Ed Eichler-RMH on diabetes), April- Jane Bissler (Grief and Loss), May 28 (Concerned citizens for Seniors), June (Ohio Benefit Banking).

Client Services Committee B.K Hall announced that the committee has complete printing cards with names of Government representative contacts for easy reference. B.K also announced the next Community Forum is scheduled for April 4. The program will be a panel of five people discussing living options for seniors. Members are asked to check the PSSN website for more information.. The program will be held at Coleman Adult Day Care starting at noon. Vendors tables will be available for $25 and can be shared by agencies. Contact B.K. Hall to purchase a table. B.K. Hall also announced that plans to create a Senior Advocate award are still in the works. May 16- The next community forum will be “Maintain your Brain” provided by The Alzheimer’s Association. CEU’s will be available. The location has not been confirmed.

Membership Committee-.Charles Armstrong announced that the membership brochures are updated with current members.

Old Business: Genel handed out the corrected PSSN tri-folds. Genel suggested members contact her for assistance to sign on the web site if they are having difficulty signing on.

New Business; Jim Lenahan announced that a grant to provide vision services for people age 65+ with low vision was approved. Jim informed members to contact United Disability Services for application information. The grand covers a four county wide area: Portage, Stark, Summit and Medina.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

The next meeting will be held March 26, 2009 at
705 Oakwood St. Ravenna at 8:30 a.m.

Respectively submitted by,
Jane Gwinn
Secretary